10 Unexpected I Lost My Only Car Key Tips
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends and so on. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things such as keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you've lost your car keys is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you had your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an outing. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big problem. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into a store.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob with a chip and an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously stored keys. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
The hood is one last place to check. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
lost keys of car lost can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to reduce their impact on your daily life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll have visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your car, and it can take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on looking for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.